The family of Snehalata Shidgane who was 60 years old from Juinagar in Navi Mumbai consented to donate her organs after she was declared brain stem dead on 19th March 2019. This noble gesture marked the city’s 26th organ donation for the year that has seen a record number of donations since January. On 18th March after she suffered a brain stroke, she was rushed to Apollo Hospital in Neral. Doctors said there was slight improvement in her condition but despite efforts the patient could not be revived and had an irreversible brain damage. The patient was declared brain stem dead on 19th March, as per the protocol.

The family had inquired about organ donation and once they were given the information about the process and how it would save lives they wholeheartedly came forward to donate her organs. Even though the family consented to donate all her organs, only her kidneys and liver were used due to unavailability of suitable recipients. In addition to the organs her corneas and bones were also donated. “When the doctors informed us about her brain death, they also explained how not everyone can be a donor. It has to be a person whose brain has suffered damage, but her organs are supported in an ICU set-up. I am happy that my mother could save lives in her death,” Ritesh (donor’s son) said.